IPSEA

Who we are

IPSEA is a registered national charity (number 327691) giving free and independent legal information, advice and casework support to make sure that children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) get the right education. 

All children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have a legal right to an education that meets their individual needs. But many tens of thousands of children and young people with SEND are not getting the support they are legally entitled to. 

At IPSEA, we are here to change that. 

We are the leading charity in the field of SEND law in England, and we provide free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND. We also provide training on the SEND legal framework, and we influence policy at both a local and national level.

Outside of the SEND sector, the assumption is that all children receive a suitable education, but this is simply not the case. Although there is a sound legal framework in place for supporting children and young people with SEND, it is frequently not complied with. The SEND system is littered with unlawful decision-making, and parents and carers turn to us because they are told that their child can’t have the support they need. 

That is why our work at IPSEA – advising and empowering families, providing free casework support and ensuring that the rights of children and young people with SEND are upheld – is absolutely critical. 

Our culture and values

Our strategy is the result of a review by the board of trustees and staff of all aspects of our work.

We have developed our strategic goals to ensure that we continue to meet the needs of children and young people with SEND now and in the future, with the aim of closing the gap in educational achievement for children and young people with SEND.

Our vision

Our vision is that every child and young person with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has the right education and support to thrive and achieve their potential. 

Our mission

We use the law to help children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities get the education and support they are legally entitled to.

Our objectives

In order to achieve our mission, we aim to:

1. Provide legally-based information, advice, casework and training support for children and young people with SEND and their parents and carers in England. 

1. Inform, educate and train professionals and practitioners working within education, local authority, health, advice and charity sector settings to ensure all children and young people with SEND receive the education and support that they are entitled to under the law, and ensure parents, carers and young people are aware of their legal rights and empowered to challenge unlawful decisions and inadequate provision. 

1. Ensure compliance with the SEND law framework by identifying and challenging unlawful practice and being at the forefront of influencing SEND policy development and legislative change.

1. Strengthen the charity and ensure IPSEA continues to be sustainable, resilient and forward-looking to provide high-quality services.